The University of Victoria is located on traditional Coast and Straits Salish territory. As we welcome you to THATCamp Victoria, we would like to acknowledge and thank the Coast Salish and Straits Salish people on whose territory many of us are guests.
Victoria is located on Vancouver Island, 44km (27 miles) off the coast of mainland British Columbia.
Getting Here: By Ground
- From Vancouver: Pacific Coach Lines offers daily service between downtown Vancouver, Vancouver Airport and downtown Victoria. This trip involves taking the ferry from Tsawwassen on the mainland to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. Once your bus has driven on to the ferry, you are free to wander the ship, get a snack and relax. You might even see a pod of orcas during your crossing! After your bus drops you off in downtown Victoria, you can take a #11, #14 or #4 bus to campus. BC Transit provides affordable and convenient bus transportation throughout Victoria.
Getting Here: By Air
Victoria International Airport is located approximately 30 minutes from the University. Flights arrive daily from across Canada, the US, and Europe.
Float plane service is available from Vancouver (Harbour Air) and Seattle (Kenmore Air) to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Helicopter service between Vancouver and Victoria’s downtown Inner Harbour is also available.
For getting to and from the airport, we recommend the AKAL Airport Shuttle. The cost is approximately $20 CAD for one adult; less if you are traveling in a group of two or more. Specific fares and schedules can be found on their website. A taxi to the university from the airport will cost approximately $50 CAD. A taxi from downtown to the university will cost approximately $20-25 CAD.
Getting Here: By Sea
There are regular ferries from Vancouver and Seattle to Victoria. For more information, visit BC Ferries or Victoria Clipper Ferry Service.
The ferry from Vancouver docks in Swartz Bay, approximately 45 minutes by ground travel from the University. The Victoria Clipper from Seattle arrives at the Inner Harbour downtown, about 20 minutes by ground from the University.
Local Accommodation: On Campus
- If you are attending the Digital Humanities Summer Institute, then the University of Victoria holds space participants in dormitory and cluster housing. Internet access is available in each bedroom and payphones are located in or near all buildings.
Residence Rooms
- Bedrooms in Residence (dormitory) buildings come with either 1 or 2 single beds. Shared washroom facilities are located on each floor along with a central lounge to relax and watch TV with other guests.
Cluster Units
Similar to an apartment or townhouse, Cluster Housing units come with 4 bedrooms, 2 washrooms and a shower. Each bedroom in the unit contains 1 single bed. The living room is furnished with a loveseat and coffee table. The kitchen has a fridge, stove, dishwasher and dining room table with chairs and is equipped with dishes, cutlery and utensils. Please note cable and phone lines are available however televisions and telephones are not provided in the units.
For additional information and floor plans visit housing.uvic.ca/visitor/index.php.
Local Accommodation: Off Campus
- We recommend Chateau Victoria hotel. The hotel is located in downtown Victoria and will require taxi, car or bus transport to the university. Buses run frequently and directly. Taxi fares run $12 – $15 CDN each way. Visit the web site in the contact information below to view rates, room descriptions, and to make reservations. High speed internet connectivity is complimentary in all rooms.
- Contact information:
Chateau Victoria Hotel, 740 Burdett Avenue, Victoria, BC V8W 1B2
Phone: 250-382-4221, Fax: 250-380-1950
Other Accommodation
- The Victoria tourism web site can be found at www.tourismvictoria.com/. This site has numerous links to other hotels, Bed and Breakfast accommodations, etc. Please book early, though. Victoria is a very sought after destination during the summer months!
When You Get Here . . .
About U Victoria
- The University of Victoria is a mid-sized university with a student population of approximately 20,000. During the summer, the population decreases considerably so you won’t have to worry about standing in long lines for coffee! The University grounds cover some 400 acres and include expansive gardens and protected green space.
Weather
Victoria enjoys some of the most pleasant weather in Canada. June usually sees a high of 19° C (66° F) and a low of 9° C (48° F). Days tend to be sunny and warm, cooling off considerably in evening. It will also be cooler by the water.
We recommend packing light layers and don’t forget sunscreen and a hat. Breezes off the ocean can make you forget how strong the sun is and before you know it, sunburn!
Getting Around Victoria
Victoria’s bus system makes it easy to get around town. From campus, routes 4, 11, and 14 will take you downtown. There is no central bus terminal; the main downtown stop is at the corner of Yates and Douglas in front of Hope Key Restaurant (11, 14) or Douglas and View (4) in front of Chapters.
The current adult fare is currently $2.50 (exact change only). A transfer allows you to ride another bus, including return trips, for a period of 60 minutes from time of issue. Ask your driver for a transfer when you get on the bus. Please note that the buses stop running around midnight.
For more information, including transit maps and directions to popular destinations, please visit BC Transit. We will have transit schedules available at registration on Monday morning and at the information desk all week.
Remember to do as the locals do and thank your driver when you get off the bus!
